Issues: Quarterback Jay Cutler has been sacked 148 times in 56 starts since coming to Chicago in 2009. That's nearly three per game and will certainly be an unacceptable figure to new coach Marc Trestman. But after slapping an $8.45 million tag on Melton, the Bears don't presently have the funds to import left tackle Jake Long or a pass protector of his caliber. There's little doubt the offensively innovative Trestman will get more out of the passing attack, and maybe sophomore wideout Alshon Jeffery will blossom in 2013. But somebody on the roster or from the outside needs to give Brandon Marshall a hand downfield. The defense was again among the league's best in 2012, but age could catch up to it at any point.

Our advice: Until he unlocks more cash, GM Phil Emery is in a bind. Signs point to declining Urlacher coming back at a discount, probably a logical move for both parties. As valuable as Idonije has been, it's time for second-year defensive end Shea McClellin to settle in opposite Julius Peppers. And Emery needs to throw whatever resources he has at improving the explosiveness of the offense. Beyond the need for enhanced receiver production and blocking, an upgrade at tight end and a backup quarterback are among issues that need to be addressed.

Issues: As the above list indicates, GM Martin Mayhew is going to lose a significant chunk of his roster. Given how little money he has to replenish it, he's probably going to be forced to rely on fringe free agents and rookies to fill out his depth chart. That's not a great formula for fixing an out-of-whack offense or soon-to-be-depleted defense. It will help if Hanson decides not to retire, but special teams will be a project regardless.

Our advice: Cherilus is an underrated commodity, but 2012 first-rounder Riley Reiff can take over for him. The bigger problem offensively is the absence of a playmaker in the backfield ever since Jahvid Best was waylaid by scary concussion woes which seem likely to end his career far too early. A slasher of Reggie Bush's caliber seems like the perfect solution, but Mayhew would have to massage a lot of numbers, probably including Matthew Stafford's hefty contract, to fit Bush into the salary structure. It's worth serious consideration. Avril is a good pass rusher but also a bit one-dimensional. His departure will create some angst in Motown, but Mayhew is better off focusing on Houston, Hill and Delmas, whose injury history might scare off a lot of other teams. Even if Jackson comes back, Mayhew should probably look for quality defensive ends in the draft.

Issues: Woodson's leadership will be missed, but his release did provide funds GM Ted Thompson will need. It will be tough to part with Jennings, too, but Green Bay's wideout depth softens the blow. Rest and recuperation alone should help this club with tackles Bryan Bulaga and Derek Sherrod expected back on offense and linebackers Desmond Bishop and Nick Perry among the defensive reinforcements. Thompson is typically extremely selective in free agency, and that's unlikely to change now.

Our advice: It's fun to ponder Steven Jackson or even Shonn Greene elevating an ineffective ground game, but it's hard to envision Thompson pulling the trigger on any player who puts even a modest dent into the pay scale. The Pack has close to $10 million worth of space, but pass rusher extraordinaire Clay Matthews, nose tackle B.J. Raji and wideout James Jones head a list of players who can hit the market in 2014. And quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn't chirping about a below-market contract, but it could become the elephant in the room at some point. Translation: Thompson should keep rewarding his guys and target a tailback and fresh depth at draft time.

Issues: The defense should be able to effectively compensate despite the prospect of losing a handful of starters. However Felton, a Pro Bowler in 2012, and Loadholt were major reasons Adrian Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards last season. Infusing talent to the passing game might just help Peterson run further in 2013 while hastening the development of quarterback Christian Ponder.

Our advice: GM Rick Spielman believes in taking care of his own and should start with Loadholt, who's missed one game in four years and destroys defenders while run blocking. Given the going rate for fullbacks, Felton should be back at a semi-reasonable price. And Spielman really ought to find a capable receiver to line up with Percy Harvin, who may not be long for this roster anyway. Getting Greg Jennings would be a master stroke that would drastically improve the Vikes while serving a blow to the Packers. Brandon Gibson could be among the reasonable alternatives. Among the defenders, Sanford should get top priority. The Vikes can do better than Brinkley.